Today, the sealing industry is only economically viable for a small number of people. The EU’s import exemption for Indigenous harvested seal products has not helped sealers and producers in Canada regain full access to the EU market, according to media reports.
Only good things can come from repealing the ban on seal products.
Millions of EU residents and citizens would regain access to these humanely harvested, sustainable and valuable products — and in doing so, support smaller economies and the preservation of Indigenous cultures and skills. Seal meat is a high-quality protein. Seal oil health supplements are a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids — so-called “healthy fats” — for both humans and pets. Seal pelts have long kept people warm in harsh climates.
Another positive consequence of revitalized trade would be the maintenance of healthy ocean ecosystems and improved seal population management. Our committee heard testimony that some seals can consume 22 times as much fish as are commercially harvested, and that seal populations, depending on the species, have recovered, stabilized or continue to grow.
Finally, we believe the European Commission must consider what inspired its general seal products ban in the first place and whether those concerns hold water in the current context. The seal industry has long been victim of propaganda campaigns built on outright lies. Those adorable baby seals with white fur and melting dark eyes? It’s been illegal to harvest them since 1987.
The truth is, Canada’s seal harvesting practices today are “among the best in the world.”
We urge anyone with a stake in the sealing and fishing industries — and anyone who has been harmed by the EU ban — to make a submission to the call for evidence before the August 7 deadline. This is your golden opportunity to help turn the tide.
While a policy change today won’t undo 15 years of harm, we remain optimistic the EU’s review will follow the evidence and reverse this misguided and ill-founded ban.
Senator Fabian Manning represents Newfoundland and Labrador and is chair of the Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
Senator Bev Busson represents British Columbia and is deputy chair of the committee.
Senator Pat Duncan represents the Yukon and is a member of the committee.
This article was published in the EUobserver on August 8, 2024.
Source link : https://sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus/opinion/europe-must-repeal-its-unjust-seal-products-ban-senators-manning-busson-and-duncan/
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Publish date : 2024-08-22 07:00:00
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